Saturday, November 06, 2010

I picked up the keys to my art studio this past week on Thursday. While I don't have photos yet to post of the interior space, I did snag one showing what it looks like from the outside.

The studio itself is in the YOHO Center for the Arts, located in Yonkers, NY, in a vibrant and dynamic renovated former carpet factory building. It has a really large window, about a 16' ceiling and gray wood floors. It's essentially a loft space I guess and has that nice strong industrial feel to it.

The building itself is a growing community of almost 50 painters, mixed media, sculptors, and other artists and it looks like open studios are a regular occurrence. In fact, there is one scheduled on Sunday, November 14th from 11-6 PM. I'm not sure I will be moved in by then but my door will be open. Not going to miss an opportunity like that! I'm in Studio #510 on the 5th floor of 578 Nepperhan Avenue if anyone wants to stop by!

Over the next week or so I will concentrate my efforts on moving myself in. As for the direction my work will now take, I still haven't a clue, but I'm excited to find out. I decided to hit some thrift stores today to see if I can find some old books to help inspire me. Found this great online thrifting community which has a national thrift store directory!

I have to say I feel truly grateful for this new space to work in. It seemed to have happened suddenly and organically, which feels like the Universe has had (and still does) it's hand in all of this.

Monday, November 01, 2010

I recently made the decision to find new studio and who knew that trying to find space in this economic climate would prove to be such a challenge.

Sure, the prices are down a little but so is the inventory, and what I've seen so far isn't making me feel all that warm and fuzzy inside. With me it's all about the energy within the space (and of course the monthly rent) that ultimately helps me to make my decision. Distance is also a factor because I don't want to be wasting time traveling to/from if I don't have to.

On Saturday I checked out a couple in Brooklyn, both on Morgan St. The first one, while located in a great artist building, was basically a renovated art cave. It's only allure was perhaps the central AC which would certainly come in handy during the summer months. The second placed I looked at was decent enough and would have probably worked out had I not been too late to see it.

On Sunday I headed to YOHO Arts which is located in Yonkers in an old factory, which in and of itself is very cool. Was shown another art cave, though this one was much larger. Then I saw a much larger space with three windows (at which I drooled and dreamed about) and then another decent size space with one window. Unfortunately the cost is a factor with the last one I mentioned. So, the search continues.

Checking out a studio in Harlem maybe this week, not far from the studio space I had back in 2007 on 106th St. I know the neighborhood well, the price per square foot is fairly reasonable but I haven't seen any photos online so who knows what I'm in for. Plus I'm looking to be in a larger, well established artists building if possible.

So, stand by for more updates... and if you are reading this and know of any available space out there in the NYC area please let me know!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Gestalten Publishing - a book publisher specialized in art and design books - is in the process of researching for a new book compilation about contemporary collage. The book will be co-edited by James Gallagher, who organized the Cutters exhibition in New York a while ago. They saw my work and contacted me to say they would be happy to feature it in the book. (Hell Yeah!) Release of the book is due to take place in Spring 2011. (I'll keep you posted)

I recently started realizing just how much of an opportunity this book release is... not only to introduce my work to a much larger audience, but also for me to start engaging with my creative self by producing physical work again.

Opportunities come and go throughout our life.

Sometimes we are afraid where they will take us, so we do nothing and let them pass us by. Other times we risk engaging with the possibly they seem to offer, step out of our comfort zone, and discover a part of ourselves we never knew existed. And still other times, we participate in the opportunity presented and end up loosing everything.... or so it seems.

A good friend once told me that every mistake in life is an opportunity for us to grow. If we adopt that perspective, we have nothing to lose.